Connections optimistic ahead of Total Recall's National bid Total Recall spearheads a strong Irish challenge on Saturday's Randox Health Grand National at Aintree. The nine-year-old has long been considered a National hope by Willie Mullins, but he did fall on his last start in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Patrick Mullins, assistant trainer to his father, said: "Total Recall was running the race of his life when he came down in the Gold Cup and David Mullins felt he would have finished third at worst. "That would suggest he's still ahead of the handicapper and he seems to have come out of the race fine. "He has big-field handicap experience and a touch of class, too. "If he gets luck in running, he should give Paul Townend a very good ride." The champion trainer also saddles Childrens List and Pleasant Company, and Mullins jnr added: "Pleasant Company was running an eyecatching race in last year's National until he made a mistake at Valentine's. "He doesn't go there in the same form this year, but we're hoping he might rediscover his spark and if he does, he has to have an each-way chance. "Childrens List beat Edwulf in his beginners' chase and if you take that form literally, he's well handicapped. "He has only had four chase runs and one point-to-point run, so he's inexperienced for a race like this, but if he gets a clear round you never know." Tony Martin's Anibale Fly produced a career-best when third in the Gold Cup and has been well backed in the build-up to the National. Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus, said: "He ran a great race at Cheltenham and Tony is very happy with him." Tiger Roll is another leading candidate for Ireland, having won for a third time at the Cheltenham Festival in March. Trainer Gordon Elliott is also responsible for Ucello Conti, running in the National for a third time, and the 13-year-old Bless The Wings. Elliott, who won the National with Silver Birch in 2007, told Betfair: "We're running three but I suppose you'd have to say Tiger Roll is the main one. "I think he's got a great profile going into the race. Davy Russell rides him and he's got 10st 12lb on his back, which is a lovely weight. "Ucello Conti has been going very well at home and I think he'll run well. He (Bless The Wings) is not getting any younger, but he's been second in the Irish National twice. A bit better ground would have suited him." Nigel Twiston-Davies' Blaklion l ooked the winner 12 months ago when Noel Fehily's partner gained the lead at the 26th fence, but his challenge petered out late on and he ended up finishing fourth. He will this year be ridden by the trainer's son, Sam Twiston-Davies, with the Naunton handler keen for the jockey to delay his challenge a little longer than in 2017. Twiston-Davies snr, who has won the race twice, said: "He'll be ridden with a little bit more restraint. He was only beaten eight lengths last year. "I know he has gone up 8lb but with a bit more restraint, hopefully he'll be there."
